I would much rather have a judge that is currently training and running dogs than one with just hunting experience. We're testing dogs in AKC HT's not playing hunter and accepting any work the dog does as in other HT's. :roll: 
I know many self proclaimed avid hunters that go with a guide using a meat dog 2 or 3 times a year. Do they really know retriever work? I hunted almost daily from Nov to Jan for 25 years before I came in contact with "really" good dog work. I then learned more in 2 years about training, setups and factors than I had in a lifetime of hunting. I'll take the amateur judge that has and is training & running dogs to the level we're testing and is giving back to the sport.
I know many self proclaimed avid hunters that go with a guide using a meat dog 2 or 3 times a year. Do they really know retriever work? I hunted almost daily from Nov to Jan for 25 years before I came in contact with "really" good dog work. I then learned more in 2 years about training, setups and factors than I had in a lifetime of hunting. I'll take the amateur judge that has and is training & running dogs to the level we're testing and is giving back to the sport.
